By: Publicity For Good

The student-workforce transition is one of the scariest periods in any person’s life, a time of uncertainty and fear about the future. Thankfully, not all students are alone in this process.

Friends like HireSmart Cares help young people develop the skills and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment and contribute to their communities and society at large. Today, we’ll learn how HireSmart Cares gives thousands of young people a brighter future through innovative programs backed by a team passionately dedicated to helping the next generation thrive.

Who are Anne and Mark Lackey?

HireSmart founders and business partners Anne and Mark Lackey are well-known around Atlanta and nationwide as real estate investors, brokers, property managers, authors, speakers, educators, and business leaders. They have coached and trained hundreds of individuals in the real estate industry in the U.S. and Canada, authored multiple Amazon best-selling books, and developed numerous educational programs and systems for real estate professionals before expanding their efforts to link a variety of U.S. industries to global talent in the virtual world.

They speak on hiring, building, and managing teams, as well as using virtual employees to improve staff productivity and increase profits. They offer tips on setting up a business and managing remote staff.

About HireSmart Cares

Much of their success is funneled back into their nonprofit, HireSmart Cares, a 501c3, which was established to help young adults develop job skills for successful careers. The nonprofit provides teenage entrepreneurs with grants to help launch their businesses. HireSmart Cares funds the expansion of agricultural facilities at local schools so more kids and teens can understand the impact of agriculture in their lives and consider careers in the field.

The organization pays registration fees and travel and lodging expenses for teens attending conferences and competitions to sharpen their skills and perspectives in a wide range of career-building events. The company puts actual boots on the feet of young adults making the jump directly from high school to work in hands-on trades. Students get to see their campus from the clouds thanks to HireSmart Cares and its funding of a drone program at their school, which provides an eye-opening perspective on potential drone careers.

Mark and Anne also share their knowledge with classroom visits and one-on-one consultations with youth interested in job preparedness, sound personal finance, and entrepreneurship.

HireSmart focuses not only on the technical skills required for specific jobs but also on nurturing the soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, that are essential for long-term success.

Real-Life Lessons in Job Hunting

HireSmart Cares recognizes that teens are often intimidated by their first job hunt, which keeps many young people out of the job market. This inaction damages vulnerable and underserved communities facing limited access to professional education.

That’s why the nonprofit’s services focus primarily on these communities, helping them form a highly qualified workforce.

Some of their services include:

• Job Readiness Training: Workshops and courses that cover resume writing, interview skills, and professional behavior.
• Career Counseling: One-on-one sessions with career advisors to help individuals identify their strengths and career interests.
• Internships and Apprenticeships: Partnerships with businesses to provide hands-on experience in various industries.
• Job Placement Services: Assistance in connecting local business to help high school students find and secure job opportunities that match the skills and interests of job seekers, mostly in the trades like HVAC, construction, plumbing, welding, and other trades
• Mentorship Programs: Connecting job seekers with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and support.

For more information about HireSmart and its programs, visit their website. To connect with HireSmart founders Mark and Anne Lackey, schedule an online meeting at meetwithanne.com, or email info@hiresmartcares.org.

Published By: Aize Perez